Editorial
There has always been great interest in a single-stage Reusable Launched Vehicle (RLV). RLV single-stage to orbit is a dream that has eluded both NASA and the Russian space program for at least 30 years. Once the RLV concept is realized, there will be nothing thrown away and so the launch costs could come down to almost the cost of the fuel. RLVs will be the most important development in space since the introduction of rockets themselves. The large scale development of the moon and Mars will be possible and millions of ordinary citizens can visit space. This event will be equivalent to the construction of the railroads in its effect on our economy and civilization.
For the past 40 years, the only launch method has been multi-stage rockets. In fact, today’s “Space Shuttle” was envisioned as an RLV, but that proved impractical so two semi-reusable rocket boosters and massive disposable fuel tank are needed, which push the total cost for each mission over $550 million. As a result, hopes for 100 shuttle launches a year have dwindled to four a year. NASA canceled a more recent attempt at a single-stage design, the X-33, when problems proved insurmountable. Meanwhile, the use of the Space Station and future space based weaponry is limited by high launch costs, something which many corporations would prefer to remain unchanged.
NASA studies show that a Mach 2 assisted launch can reduce the fuel needed to make orbit by 40%, allowing a single-stage RLV to make orbit with a substantial payload. The solution is a "Sky Ramp" assisted-launch to propel the RLV on a sled to supersonic speeds up a miles-long track before the RLV fires its engines. This can be done with today's rocket engines from a variety of proven tracks. The sled can also launch any airborne vehicle, including Mach 3+ ramjet powered aircraft. This allows Sky Ramps to launch ramjet-powered Mach 5 SR-71 type Interceptors for National Missile Defense or Bombers for global strike. Inclined rocket sled launches do not require a technological breakthrough, only overcoming institutional and bureaucratic resistance to a simple yet revolutionary idea. A volunteer group of scientists and engineers have proven this concept viable using existing technology and begun a movement called Sky Ramp Technology to alert America.
G2mil has agreed to sponsor the web space for Sky Ramp Technology and coordinate communications. The website has been finished and is linked as an article below. Many Sky Ramp supporters wish to remain anonymous because they are involved in work related to space launch and fear retribution for supporting an idea which threatens the entire space establishment. If you wish to offer information or ideas to further this project, please send an e-mail. This is the most important space launch discovery in decades, and these volunteers seek your help in promoting this method.
Carlton Meyer editorG2mil@Gmail.com
G2mil editorials may be freely distributed without permission
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June 2002 Articles
have been returned to the Members Library
Letters - comments from G2mil readers
Sky Ramp Technology - the future of space launch
Parading Around Afghanistan - the US Army fears casualties
Ambush in Takur Ghar - confusion in Afghanistan
Scrap-board - Phil West ideas
The War in Afghanistan - a $28 billion racket
US Selected Acquisition Reports (pdf) - future weapons cost estimates
G2mil Library
Previous G2mil - May 2002 issue
New Transforming the US Air Force
Library Tour - visit G2mil's library
Library Entrance - members only
All material in G2mil Copyright 2002 G2mil, patents pending on some items. Links to www.G2mil.com are encouraged.